Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to grow" in Korean: 자라다
자라다jarada
to grow in Korean is 자라다 (jarada). 자라다 means grow in size or development; 기르다 means raise or cultivate something.
to grow: an everyday statement
아이가 빨리 자라요.aiga ppalli jarayo.
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How to pronounce 자라다
Say it
jarada
/tɕaɾata/
Read 자라다 as jarada. The spoken form 자라요 is jarayo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to grow" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 자라다jarada | to grow Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 자라요jarayo | to grow (polite present) Use 자라요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 자라요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 자랐어요jarasseoyo | to grow (polite past) Use 자랐어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 자랐어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 자라다 in real life
- 1to grow: an everyday statement
아이가 빨리 자라요.
aiga ppalli jarayo.
The child grows quickly.
자라요 is the present form of 자라다.
- 2to grow: a different situation
올해 식물이 많이 자랐어요.
olhae singmuri mani jarasseoyo.
The plant grew a lot this year.
자랐어요 is the past form of 자라다.
- 3to grow: a question or request
그늘에서도 자라요?
geuneureseodo jarayo?
Does it grow in the shade too?
자라요 is the present form of 자라다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 자라다
Incorrect: 자라다.
Correct: 자라요.
When practicing to grow, 자라다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 자라요.
Incorrect: 어제 자라요.
Correct: 어제 자랐어요.
When practicing to grow, for a completed event yesterday, use 자랐어요; the present form 자라요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
자라다 means grow in size or development; 기르다 means raise or cultivate something. 자라요 is the polite conversational form of 자라다; 자랐어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 자라다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
아이가 빨리 자라요.
aiga ppalli jarayo.
The child grows quickly.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
올해 식물이 많이 자랐어요.
olhae singmuri mani jarasseoyo.
The plant grew a lot this year.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to grow" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to grow" in Korean
How do I use 자라다 in polite speech?
자라요 is the polite conversational form of 자라다; 자랐어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 자라다 in a past-tense sentence?
자랐어요 is the polite past form. 자라다 means grow in size or development; 기르다 means raise or cultivate something.
What does 자라요 mean here?
자라요 is used for to grow. For example, 아이가 빨리 자라요. means “The child grows quickly.”
What should I remember about 자라다?
자라다 means grow in size or development; 기르다 means raise or cultivate something.
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